Benefits for Individuals and Communities:rSave money and enjoy a healthier

environment by reducing fertilizer use and nutrient runoff into our watersheds and bay

rSave money and reduce health risk by minimizing the use of pesticides

r�Improve�soil�and�save�landfill�space�by�composting yard waste

r Reduce water use by using recommended horticultural practices

r Create beautiful and ecologically sound landscapes that will thrive in Maryland’s climate and soil

r Learn about native plants that will thrive and provide a habitat for wildlife and beneficial�insects

Master Gardener History: The Master Gardener Program began in the state of Washington in 1972 in response to the increasing volume of home gardening questions received by Extension agents. The program was so successful it has spread to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and three Canadian provinces.

The Maryland Master Gardener Program began in 1978 and currently serves citizens through University�of�Maryland�Extension�offices.

State Master Gardener OfficeHome and Garden Information Center

12005 Homewood RoadEllicott City, MD 21042

(410) 531-1754 extension.umd.edu/mg

The Home and Garden Information Center’s (HGIC) Certified Professional Horticulturists

answer your gardening questions sent through our website.

extension.umd.edu/hgic

The University of Maryland, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources programs are open to all and will not discriminate against anyone because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, or national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation, or gender identity and expression.

Educating residents to create healthier

• gardens • landscapes • communities

GUniversity of Maryland Extension

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Our Vision:A healthier world through environmental stewardship

Our Mission:Support the University of Maryland Extension mission by educating Maryland residents about safe, effective, and sustainable horticultural practices that build healthy gardens, landscapes, and communities.

Who We Are:Maryland Master Gardeners are volunteers trained by the University of Maryland who provide horticultural education services to individuals, groups and communities. Over 1600 master gardeners contribute 100,000+ of volunteer hours each year serving Maryland citizens.

Who Can Use Our ServicesIndividuals and a wide variety of groups in the community including:rGovernment agenciesrNeighborhood associationsrNon-profit�organizationsrSchools and youth groupsrSenior citizensrGarden clubs

CostEducational services are available to the public at low or no cost. It is appropriate to pay an honorarium to speakers. Honoraria are used to expand our programs and make services more widely available to the public.

Master Gardener Areas of ImpactEach county offers a range of services, with programs tailored to the unique needs and opportunities of the county/city. Critical areas of impact are:

rIntegrated Pest Management – training to manage pest problems using the least toxic methods available

rPlant Clinics – identifying and diagnosing plant problems and providing recommended solutions at hundreds of community events throughout the state

rUrban Nutrient Management – training and workshops on composting and soil improvement

rBackyard and Community Food Production – best methods for growing fruits and vegetables

rBay-Wise Landscaping – educating residents about landscape practices that protect the Bay and local environments

rYouth Education – school gardening and environmental education for our youth

rSpeakers Bureau – knowledgeable speakers who can address a wide range of horticultural topics

r Demonstration Gardens – beautiful, ecologically sound gardens which educate the public

University of Maryland Extension Offices with Master Gardener ProgramsAllegany Co. (301) 724-3320Anne Arundel Co. (410) 222-3900Baltimore City (410) 856-1850 x121Baltimore Co.(410) 771-1761 Calvert Co. (410) 535-3662Carroll Co. (410) 386-2760Cecil Co. (410) 996-5280Charles Co. (301) 934-5403Dorchester Co.(410) 228-8800Frederick Co. (301) 694-1594Garrett Co. (301) 334-6960For complete contact information, go to http://extension.umd.edu/mg

Harford Co. (410) 638-3255 Howard Co. (410) 313-2707 Montgomery Co. (301) 590-9638Prince George’s Co. (301) 868-9366 Queen Anne’s Co. (410) 758-0166 St. Mary’s Co. (301) 475-4482 Talbot Co. (410) 822-1244Washington Co. (301) 791-1604Wicomico Co.(Lower EasternShore)

(410) 749-6141 State Master Gardener�Office (410) 531-1754